Oral care is very important to not only our health, but our pets! Without proper care, a pet’s mouth can cause severe health issues that will lower the pet’s quality of life and can even be life-threatening. Dental disease is one of the most common problems recognized in domestic dogs and cats.
Dental disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that forms plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth. Plaque can thicken and harden into tartar, which attracts more plaque. Plaque bacteria can also cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.
Oral health is such an important part of a pet’s overall health. Dental problems can cause or be caused by other health issues. These issues can affect the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints.
Try These for Your Pet’s Oral Health
- Feed your pet nutritious food that is a species appropriate and high in quality animal protein and low in carbohydrates. Two good food options are grain free diets or raw diets.
- Provide raw bones or dental chews to keep plaque and tartar from forming. Always supervise your pet when chewing to prevent choking or tooth damage.
- Regularly inspect your pet’s mouth. Checking for bad breath, loose teeth, plaque and tartar build up, and lumps or bumps along the gumline or on or under the tongue.
- Make sure that your pet’s teeth are checked by your vet during their annual checkup.
- Daily brushing and caring for your pet’s teeth if you don’t brush daily is so important for your pet’s health. There are many alternative options to support dental health like dental chews, bones, body part chew options, oral sprays, water additives, and supplements if you do not brush your pet’s teeth daily.
